Class Notes | 1950s

Happy New Year to the Great Class of ’59. Politics aside, we are in for interesting times, and interesting times lead us to much-needed reports of your latest adventures.

Susan Young reports on the induction of her husband, Tom, into the Wesleyan Baseball Wall of Fame last May. Sons Tom and Nate flew in from Seattle. Dave Darling, an inductee a year ago and best man in Sue and Tom’s wedding attended, as did Dave Eklund, an usher in the wedding. A great gathering!

Owen Tabor, while alternating between Memphis, Charlottesville, Scotland, and chasing various grands up and down freeways, reflected on a mock election held while we were at Wesleyan: Kennedy vs. Nixon. Students 55-45%; Faculty 65-35%. Imagine what would have happened this year! Owen ends with “all best wishes to a wonderful bunch of guys!”

Ed Murphy tells us of a newer tradition: A ’59er lunch held twice a year in D.C. Six of the eight ‘59ers in D.C. attended, among them Bob Chase, Bert Edwards, Pete Errington, Bill Moody, Bob Ogren, and Ed himself, who invites travelers to attend in April and November. E-mail Ed for info.

The third annual mid-coast Maine reunion took place in Damariscotta. Al Brooks reports that the usual gang assembled: Wendy and Joe Mallory (Pemaquid), Joanie and Bob Chase (Boothbay Harbor), Anne and Tom McHugh (Baileyville), and Marie-Pier and Alan Brooks (Southport). To this perfect soup was added Dick Cadigan, staying with the Chases. Luize and Bing Leverich have just bought a place in Maine, so the crowd is growing.

“Much talk of our adventures and misadventures,” says Brooksie, “Our love of physics, the stellar record of the ’58 soccer team, and Cads’ stories of a 5’9” basketball star.” Another great tradition! Anyone interested in holding a similar event in their area might contact Theresa Kidd at Wesleyan for info on local classmates. Great idea. New York next?

Cliff Vermilya reports on a move to Myrtle Beach, S.C. He and Chris had visited from New England, liked the area, and moved in October. Looks like brilliant timing. Is the welcome mat out for 2017?

Mary and Dave Eklund’s travels make your scribes envious and a bit dizzy, and all done without the Trump jet! Three children and lots of grandchildren seem to be the impetus. Also, a 57-year celebration of Dave’s fraternity class was held in Providence.

Herb Steiner writes, “Ellen and I traveled to Norway and Denmark in June, then to Japan for two weeks in October. Now off to Delray Beach for the winter. Will catch up with Diane and Joe Vander Veer, my old roommate, in Philadelphia, before we go. Busy volunteering, playing racquetball, and playing my violin in several orchestras in both New Jersey and Florida. Stay healthy, guys. I value the friendships made at Wesleyan and want to stay in close touch with everyone. We were a small bunch then and even smaller now, but still with a great shared history.

“Joe Vander Veer is president of the American Osler Society, a national group of physicians, historians, and librarians dedicated to preserving the memory of Sir William Osler, revered teacher at four universities: McGill, Penn, Hopkins, and Oxford. We are publishing Osler for White Coat Pockets, a handbook for medical students on clinical medicine that will be distributed at various white coat ceremonies at the leading medical schools.”

Hugh Lifson has had to contend with a mild heart attack and some medication challenges, while at the same time mounting a show of some of his recent work at the Hudson River Gallery in Iowa City, which he called a succès d’estime! See the show here: hudsonrivergallery.com/galleries.

Weg Thomas’ Asleep in the Cold
Weg Thomas’ Asleep in the Cold
Weg Thomas, another of our artists, has a wonderful winter photograph on Facebook.

Terry Smith’s memorial service at the Croton Yacht Club was well-attended. Tim Day, Gina and John Driscoll ’62, Tom Young, Dave Darling, and Dave Eklund, all teammates of Terry’s from Wesleyan, were there. He was an extraordinary coach, with two New York State football championships to his credit. His children, Nicole ’97 and Adrienne ’00, and son Mark (Yale) all participated in the impressive service.

Other sad news: Shive Shively passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Our classmate for a while, Bill “Rick” Rickerby also passed away. While not officially a ’59 member, certainly an honorary one, Dick Huddleston ’60 died on Jan. 5 in Batavia, Ill. Also, Lenny Moore died on Dec. 7, a member of Alpha Chi Rho, a remarkable talent on the football and baseball teams, and a thorough gentleman. His service was in Philadelphia on Jan. 7. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Lastly, you will shortly be aware of postcards arriving in your mailboxes. These will be timed to arrive on your birthdays, and will start the process of reminding you of our 60th in 2019. With all the energy reflected in your various notes, we seem to be acting as though we are 60 already! Thus, 80 IS the new 60!

Please also consider becoming an Olin Associate. It is painless, we are old enough, and it is a great way to support the school using your estate! Go Wes ’59!

Best to all from your scribes.

Skip Silloway | ssillow@gmail.com; 801/532-4311

John Spurdle | jspurdle@aol.com; 212/644-4858

I received 16 responses to my latest pleas for items of interest. David Hild wrote of a visit to Colorado. His oldest grandson was married in Vail. He and Alyce are well, but his travel is limited due to a bad hip.

Mel Cote has purchased a new condo and is staying in Art Geltzer’s house while renovations are completed. Mel spent New Year’s Eve with Dennis Allee who is itching to get to his place in Florida.

Heidi and Tom Mosher moved to a cozy condo by the water in La Jolla, Calif. He celebrated the holidays in La Quinta with his happy family of 15.

Roger Turkington reported three achievements: he turned 81, his poetry (400 poems in two volumes) is available from Friesen Press or Amazon, and he was awarded the World Freedom Medal for his work in medical research. He modestly credits Wesleyan for having some impact on his career.

Burr Edwards and his Finnish wife, Pirkko, helped celebrate Finland’s 100th birthday on New Year’s Eve in Helsinki. He witnessed a rare sight: Finns conspicuously enjoying themselves! Possibly because it was the warmest NYE for 50 years.

Ed Kershner joined Bart Bolton for lunch on New Year’s Day at his home in Upton, Mass. Bart, Ed, Charley Denny, and I plan to share a meal some time in April when Bart and Ed travel to Sarasota.

One more retiree, Bill Higgins, has forsaken teaching and practicing psychology. He and his wife have moved to Weaverville, N.C., to be close to their twin grandsons. He is active with guitar lessons and coursework at the Lifetime Learning College for Seniors.

Dan Woodhead would like to gain the assistance of any members of our class who believe that Wesleyan should have a Latin motto. His suggestion is Vincit Qui Patitur (he who endures conquers). Any support or suggestions would be welcome. Respond to Dan or me and I will forward to him.

I will summarize a long note from Ezra Amsterdam. First, his tennis is improving, especially his backhand! He is still very active professionally. He is a distinguished professor of cardiology and internal medicine, an associate chief cardiology and master clinical educator. He has published his ninth book and lectures around the U.S.

Unusual note: Bill Richards has had a fish named for him. Peristedion richardsi was described and named by Dr. Kawai of Hokkaido University of Japan. This species was found at a depth of 400 meters south of Indonesia.

Bob Terkhorn and his wife, Kay, are very active with the Denver Art Museum. He is travel planner for their major support group and will travel to Ohio and Scotland this year. A lot of work, but great fun, he says.

Art Geltzer describes his granddaughter’s dilemma regarding her college choice. She considered Wesleyan, but chose Northeastern because it was urban and she thought she would be more marketable. My granddaughter had similar thoughts.

Dick Goldman and wife Patti are wintering in Key Biscayne, Fla. Dick sold his Massachusetts home and moved to an apartment in Chestnut Hill. He is still practicing law at Sullivan and Worcester in Boston and recently completed his fifth year of teaching law at Boston University.

Toni and John Corkran celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Jan. 4. John reports that Bob Furber was a key supporter of the restoration of the Van Vleck telescope and was an honored guest at its rededication. He feels that Bob deserves much credit for persevering despite some health issues. John also mentions that son Tim ’90 finished his first full year as head of Capital Day School in Frankfort, K.Y.

Brenda and Rick Pank will attend a One Day University at Fairfield University. He likens the experience to humanities at Wesleyan circa 1954 sans blue books, papers, and finals. Great topics covering Mozart, da Vinci, Einstein, and creativity. I know I will be on the lookout for this in my area.

Another very interesting experience was reported by Tony Codding. He and a companion left for Athens last October on a trip with the theme, “In the steps of St Paul.” After two days in Athens, they boarded a Greek ship and headed for Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Tony had lived in the area for three months in 1951. His next trip is to the Panama Canal.

Kay and I are still in good health or at least believe we are. Children are at a distance so we must travel occasionally. Getting better at bridge and slipping at golf; party skills remain first class. Thanks for your input.

Cliff Hordlow | Khordlow@gmail.com
Apt. 103, 4645 Winged Foot Court | Naples, FL 34112; 239/732-6821

Everyone’s on the move—one way or another. Jim Killough and wife Donna have relocated to Granbury, Texas, southwest of Ft. Worth, where the couple met in 1983. Jim says that it’s short on snow and long on longhorns. He’s selling his software business and establishing an online consulting practice aimed at improving performance for knowledge workers—like he had set up with Morgan Stanley. He’s also working in a similar vein with Psi U brothers, Ken Travis and Hal Ochsner, for Psi U undergrads on development of leadership skills. He adds a note of remembrance for a lifetime of good works by Jack Corrodi and family.

The Wilmots are still along the East Coast seasonal route—north to south, and return. Current transportation is a Fusion plug-in hybrid sedan—gets good mileage and charging stations are becoming more accessible. Gordy reports that their oldest granddaughter is in the U.S. Army’s language immersion school. He’s now acclimated to his pacemaker, achieving the proper number of beats.

Bill Shepard and wife Lois were invited to Budapest for events recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising. One of Bill’s State Department assignments was there in the early 1970s, and he observes that the city “still welcomes the visitor.” In addition to the range of social and theatrical events at the celebration, there were addresses by the Hungarian prime minister and the president of Poland.

In a remembrance of Bill Christopher ’54, Bill relates a story where Bill C. asked his Sigma Chi bro, Bill S., to join him for a drink at a town bar. Turns out no one would serve youthful-appearing Bill C., but freshman Bill S. passed muster, and two drinks (at least) were put up. No doubt “Father Mulcahy” overcame all of that in his great acting career.

Another Bill—Dr. Pratt—continues to work for health improvement within his community in New Mexico. He thinks much illness is related to toxic stress. He believes that social conditions have a direct impact on the quality of healthcare in a given community. The emphasis is on families with young children. Realizing that it’s a hard sell, an investment in healthcare for such families would yield positive benefits all around.

Staying with health for the moment, I report that we’ve had two classmates on the DL. Mike Stein is feeling better following four hospital days with a bout of pneumonia. He observes that our class is moving inexorably towards the front of the Class Notes section, a point that has not been lost on your scribe. Further, Al Kalb now concludes that “getting old isn’t so easy” after undergoing a quad bypass and aortic valve replacement. I’m happy to report that both are recovered and will suit up for the Reunion. Al says that three grandchildren are now in college—Emory, Colby, and Niagara, and a fourth will be at Bowdoin. He and wife Elizabeth enjoy driving around visiting them.

Far to the south, find a note from Naren Bali, officially retired yet taking on some consulting, while wife Margarita continues to work at producing sculpture-related videos. A daughter and husband are in Michigan—both university professors—and a son likewise at the University of Buenos Aires. He adds that life in Argentina is “not easy,” what with high inflation in a struggling economy. Alluding to having witnessed this before, Naren quotes an old Spanish proverb that “man is the only animal that trips on the same stone twice.”

The Braitmayers—Jack and Nancy—enjoyed a trip through the upper Midwest last summer. He bought a new boat, a 33-footer well-suited to cruising on Buzzards Bay. While not on the water, Jack finds time to work with Tabor Academy and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. A holiday family reunion included a pleasant surprise via a marriage proposal to granddaughter, Anina.

Tony Austin checked in with a reminder that he’s also out on the deep, still reeling them in for the ultimate benefit of seafood fans.

Al Jay celebrated the big 8-0 with a Disney cruise. One of his two granddaughters offered the comment “that’s a lot of numbers, Papa”, and the younger one made a reference to “chopped liver.” Both of his sons work in tech in San Diego, one result of which is that he and wife Ricky are the recipients of electronic gadgetry they are unable to comprehend. Some help comes from the granddaughters.

Courtesy of John Allison, who passed on a January issue of Connecticut magazine about college radio stations, including WESU. The station, which dates back to 1939, has moved beyond its traditional campus market to the greater Middletown area, wherefrom there are as many volunteers as from Wes itself. Programming includes a Saturday Italian language segment, a testament to the influence of Italian immigration in Middletown. Sounds as though the station has come a long way since yours truly hosted “Jive at Five.”

Art Typermass | AGType@msn.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942

Desperately trolling for class news, I threatened to write about my recent operation (a TAVR, for those who know), which would have made for dull reading. But that turned out to be unnecessary, since I received more responses than I could fit into our limited Wesleyan magazine space. Here’s what you missed.

From Don Price:

Happy to hear that your cardiac procedure went well and that you are on road to rapid and full recovery. Helen and I are now fully retired from Hopkins and spend leisure days with kids (all of whom are in medicine—eye surgery, neurology, and intensive care) and grandkids at our house in North Carolina, at our home in Columbia, Md., and at our home in Woods Hole, Mass., a place we first visited at the suggestion of Fred Millet ’65, who offered us his home in Falmouth, Mass., for our honeymoon in 1957. We love Cape Cod and have been going there in the summers since my training at MGH and faculty position at Harvard in Boston. Great place for family, friends, and science.

Grandkids are doing well. First grandson in medical school; second is a summa cum laude graduate from Chapel Hill; another accepted at Wesleyan for coming year. Very exciting.

Helen and try to see performances with George Ray ’54, Dan Josephthal, and other Bardolators at Blackfriars Theatre (Staunton, Va.) several times per year (8-10 per season). Great fun.

Let us know if you are in any above areas. Love to see old friends.

From Bill Moyle:

We are currently following the development and exploits of four kids and 11 grandkids. Schools have been all over the map from Bates to the U.S. Naval Academy to Elon to the Royal Academy of Music in London. Wesleyan unfortunately was deemed “too far out” by those who looked. Majors have varied from Arabic to business to psychology to becoming a mezzo soprano. Hard to keep up with them, even with Facebook. Anne and I have joined the legions having joint replacements. Keeping busy in choirs and with woodworking. Happy to hear your valve job went well via the latest techniques.

From Jim Gramentine:

In September, we drove to and from Colorado, and stayed at three mountain bed and breakfasts. The last one, our favorite, was 10 miles north of Durango. We arrived on my birthday, September 28 (yes, I was born the same day and year as Bridget Bardot), and stayed through my wife’s birthday, October 1.

On September 30, we visited Mesa Verde and took a ranger-led tour of Balcony House, which features three significant ladders and two narrow passages, testing the average tourist considerably, us especially. I do recall that it was about the last day that Balcony House was to be open in 2016 and that others were closed.

Brings to mind the lyrics of a song: “A Chi Psi went meandering . . .” Or was that from one of the many other fraternities I frequented?

Hoping a good new year clears medical issues for you both.

From Bob Runyon:

Good to hear from you and to learn of your successful operation. As per our Christmas letter, Sheila and I are taking off on Thursday for a three-week cruise from Miami to Honolulu. We have been immersed in preparations for the last several weeks to sell our house and move into an apartment. As soon as we get back we’ll be pounding that challenging decluttering journey again. It’s 38 years of stuff we’ve assembled that has to be parsed and parted with. Sheila is upstairs as I speak, re-reading all of yours and other Christmas letters and birthday cards, and shredding thousands of documents that contain account or Social Security numbers. This is a job to test your attention, stamina, as well as aortic and ventricle valves and more.

Happy New Year.

From Pete Deacon:

Glad you made it without open surgery.

In my opinion, that Lin-Manuel Miranda ’02 is the best booster for Wesleyan in decades. The guy’s a genius. The school might now be enticing for my granddaughter, who is beautiful, talented, and bright, but, because of me, has looked upon a Wesleyan education as somewhat negatively liberating. (Her mother’s view coincides; She’s a Gator and Tea Party-ite. Our son went to Kenyon, but managed to survive as an English major.) Nice talking with you. I’m thanking you for doing a thankless job so cheerfully well.

Bonne santé.

From Gary Miller:

Nice to hear you’re doing well, but missed the games in the OR. As for me, I had a busy year also, but nothing like your adventure.

Marge and I started by visiting our granddaughter, Jenny in Bournemuth, United Kingdom, where she is studying costume design with a concentration in films. Evidently the construction of costumes is different for the stage and film productions. A very interesting arts university in a picture-perfect location. She loves the school and the country; we may not see much of her if she is able to get a work visa after graduation. After a good visit, we spent a week in Cornwall with visits to Port Isaacs (Doc Martin—if you’re a fan of the show), Penzance, and Land’s End. We’d still be on those roads if it wasn’t for GPS. Beautiful country, but we rented too big a car and had to fold in the mirrors many times to clear the buildings and trees on both sides of the road as we raced along the country roads. We were also able to score a couple of tickets to the musical Beautiful before leaving London for the return home. A good trip via Iceland Air which has about the best leg room in the international air travel business.

We followed that up with Jenny’s sister’s (Kyndra) graduation from James Madison University in Virginia. We were able to sit for three hours in 45 degree rain for the big event. Kyndra was sad to leave the university because she had a great experience, but landed a really good position with SEI (banking services) in Pennsylvania to match her degree in business. We had a good visit with her, our son, and our daughter-in-law before heading home to pack for the annual trek north to Maine.

Once in Maine, I received a heart monitor implant to enable the doctors to search my data recordings for suspected A-fib. So far, nothing to report, which is good news, but the batteries last for three years, so I’m going to have my new friend with me for another two-and-a-half years or so.

Summer was wonderful, but very dry as we enjoyed sunny warm weather well into the fall. The only problem came in the fall when I needed to get the boat out of the lake, which had fallen almost three feet due to the drought. Marge had to push me off the bottom to deeper water as I gunned it in reverse to get to the boat launch ramp. Getting the boat to the ramp required navigating several rocks I never knew were there before, scraping bottom all the way. Got it out on the first try, so all ended well and it is winterized and parked in the driveway up there. We’re hoping for lots of snow this winter to refill the lake and they’re off to a good start on that goal.

Since returning to North Carolina, we’ve had a family-filled Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we wish all of the class of ’56 a Happy New Year.

From Walt Ebmeyer:

Neat trick with your valve replacement. In 2002, I grew an aortic aneurism and went into Johns Hopkins for an aorta sleeve and a titanium valve. I was very open and in the hospital for weeks. Now just fine. Moved at the end of May to a Maryland suburb called Silver Spring near my daughter and company. I like it very much—very divers and very blue. OK! No more politics! Phil Crombie, Jim Hartnett and I came back for May Reunion and had a fine time, to a great extent due to Alpha Delt’s miraculous survival. We had dinner in a big tent on the college lawn and looked sadly at Chi Psi, Eclectic, and Beta. It’s another era. If someone asked me why we survived, I’d say a large factor was the House going co-ed way back in the 1970s. Very civilizing. Happy New Year to you.

From John Foster:

Hello to those class members still extant and sitting up and taking nourishment. A good thing. But healthcare sure can occupy a lot of one’s time.

Sixty and one years out is quite a spell, and I’ve lost track of the many changes at WesTech, as we used to refer to it, since my son and daughter-in-law graduated. One of their daughters just finished a Wesleyan joint program in Paris and we all were fortunate to spend Christmas there with her and bring her home and back to Vassar. What a truly lovely city.

My wife and I still reside in our Marblehead home of many years and are fortunate to have both our sons here in this lovely seaside town as well…to take care of us as we become less capable. How good is that?

May you all continue to weather well.

From Dick Bauer:

Good to hear from you. Especially good to learn aortic valve replacement procedure (love that word) went smoothly. Speedy recovery.

[Ginny and I are into the “slow-go” phase of retirement]: less enthusiasm for driving; I gave up bicycling; Ginny surrendered her garden patch for the simplicity of windowsill plants…that sort of thing. But on balance, we’re very hale: exercising regularly, lots of reading, no traumatic health threats, and enough stamina to be able to make at least a modest contribution to the world around us.

For Ginny, this has meant coordinating a group of 10 volunteers to create and lead several botany enrichment programs in a local grammar school, actively participating in our photography club and book club, as well as keeping us socially engaged. For me it has meant monthly piano/vocal performances, reinventing the Linden Ponderers (monthly discussion group focusing on contemporary issues), participating on a panel featuring the DVD, Being Mortal, sponsored by the South Shore Hospice Association, and writing a column “Riffs on Aging” for our bi-monthly newsletter. Both of us serve as “ambassadors”—hosts for people considering moving into Linden Ponds.

Our progeny continue to contribute to the commonweal: Cindy as communications director for the Massachusetts General Insurance Commission; Steve with HP at a senior level position in the printing division; Andy as investment advisor. Our two sets of grandchildren—two in college, two in grammar school—make us keenly grateful.

A couple months back I spied an obit in the Boston Globe reporting that Russ Winslow from our class died. Lived in New Hampshire. Apologies for not alerting Wesleyan or you earlier. (Assumed, erroneously, those in charge of arrangements might have done that.)

I’ll be seeing Dave J. Cox this May at our side mini-reunion. (Regrets for missing last spring’s official Reunion, undoubtedly our class’s last hurrah.)

All good things for you this new year.

From Max Roesler:

Two great-grandsons have joined our family during 2016, and cancer has claimed a half-brother of mine. We volunteer weekly at a food center which serves poor people mostly from Trenton, N.J., and southeastern Bucks County, Pa., with staples and sundries. Curiously, since my major was math and Paula’s was human relations, she uses a computer to determine clients’ eligibility while I help deliver their groceries to their cars, wagons, bicycles, or whatever. We also help maintain a nearby nature center, keeping trails cleared of overgrowth and undergrowth and removing trash. As the son of a man born in 1882 and a woman born in 1912, I also wrestle with, not only generational ambiguity, but also, since I have lived longer than any of my direct or collateral ancestors, other than my mother’s two grandmothers, with “grand old man” status in my family. Being one of the youngest in our class didn’t help me prepare for that. Visited Venice, Florence, Orvieto, and Rome, last October. In Rome ran across a young woman from New Zealand who is probably a distant cousin of mine via common descent from the MacLeods of Skye. Was surprised to see that Forbes magazine recently rated Wesleyan ninth among all colleges and universities offering baccalaureate degrees. Best to stay humble.

All the best in the new year.

From Glenn Boynton:

Last summer I was contacted by two current Wesleyan hockey players who wanted to hook up with hockey old-timers, so I sent them some recollections and some remarks made at the dedication of the Spurrier-Snyder Rink. Now they know who Bill Spurrier ’58 was! Our class supplied many of the players on the original teams.

So glad your operation went well!

Enjoy,

George

George Chien | gchien@optonline.net

Bob Runyon | rrunyon@unomaha.edu

While no details are available at this writing, I sadly inform classmates of the passing of Richard Burrage in March. Information should be included in the obituary section of the magazine.

Our candidate for the “Most Traveled” member of the Crucial Class, Jim Shepard, did not disappoint us as he wrote that this time around, he and Sally-Jean enjoyed themselves on an Alaskan trip in July. Flying first to Juneau, they then took a local cruise boat and spent a week with an excellent lecturer and great food!

Kip Snow responded to my “plea” for words with a welcome e-mail that began, “Long time, no write. Life is good. Still married to my Wesleyan sweetheart—happiness unbounded. (Oh, ok, some minor scuffles.) Two adult children happily married. Two adult grandchildren—grandson about to graduate from Fordham, and granddaughter a sophomore at WPI. Jean and I are aging nicely in spite of age, habits, and customary minor annoyances. We both retired from the life and health industry—she from selling, and me from claims. Both with very satisfying industry associations. Now in retirement on Cape Cod, we keep out of trouble with several local pursuits. Some to help others, some for plain old fun. My continuing thankfulness for my WesTech education endures. Although I have not contributed to your notes (shame on me!), I do read about ‘55ers, the folks before us and after us.”

A most pleasant surprise was receiving a note from Karl Heiser. Karl withdrew from Wesleyan after his sophomore year with all good intentions to return after serving a three-year Marine Corps enlistment. As he stated, the three years turned into 22, and a second career doing defense work in the D.C. metro area. He stated, “I remember Wesleyan as a lost opportunity and classmates with respect.”

An update from Hal Stuhl came via a phone call just a week ago. Hal, a fellow Floridian, resides on the west coast of the state, just north of Naples in Bonita Springs. We recalled our Sigma Chi days and the loss of a fellow fraternity brother, Bill Christopher ’54, with whom Hal roomed. Our tales of “downsizing” were, needless to say, amusing. Of course, we also discussed the adventures and successes of grandchildren and how, even though we are advancing in age, we are not ready to call ourselves “old.” Really, it was a treat for me to chat with Hal, and let me state I’d be more than glad to hear from you, by mail, e-mail or by phone!

I did manage to reach my annual 5,000-mile riding goal in 2016 and in spite of the excessive heat, rain and wind in the fall months, actually recorded 5,275. As of today (1/17/17), I’ve gotten a start towards the new year with 201 miles on the odometer. As you can imagine, I still look forward to being on the bike and socializing with so many great friends.

Know that my sincere best wishes for good health and happiness to you and your loved ones accompany these notes.

DONALD J. BRAVERMAN | ybikedon@bellsouth.net
14790 Bonaire Blvd., Apt. 102., Delray Beach, FL. 33446

Gentlemen, thanks for your response, and here’s what you sent me:

John Binswanger and bride are busy traveling and tracking their grands. John reports that travels to Aspen, Greece, Italy, and South America have “kept us very busy this year.” Their last granddaughter is off to U. of Maryland. Four others have migrated to San Francisco and LA; others are close by, but one received a Fulbright and is now in Germany.

Ben Cope writes that he and his bride are enjoying an active, eventful life in retirement. 2016 saw their 60th anniversary. Prior to retiring, Ben had spent 41 years in banking. They have seven children and 15 grandchildren. Ben claims to be physically and mentally sound—at 85!

Mary Ann and Chuck Davis celebrated their 60th anniversary with a family gathering at Seven Springs Resort in Seven Springs, Pa. Bill Drury remains happy, healthy, and enjoying the easy life in Nashua, N.H.

Terry Hatter writes that “we lost a wonderful classmate with Bill Christopher’s passing. He was one of Wesleyan’s finest.” The Hatter’s youngest son, Scott ’92, is spending a year in Spain and Italy with his girlfriend before returning to law. Their older granddaughter, Lauren, is working toward a master’s from Queen’s University in Ireland, and she’ll be going to law school at Penn in the fall. Her brother, Eric, is in his second year at Georgetown Law. The Hatters’ two younger grands, Leah and Wilson, are 12 and in middle school in Santa Monica and Sacramento, respectively.

Bud Johnson notes two more grands are in college app mode, with one set for Colgate, the other, okay for Notre Dame, but wants Princeton. Three others are now in college, and another just graduated from UChicago. Bud and Lynn remain happy and healthy.

Jeff Lockhart reports attending a charity reception at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Club in Palm Beach. Quite an estate, Jeff notes, originally built by Marjorie Post in the 1920s.

Barbara and Curt McLaughlin went on a tour of Spain in November, returning to Chapel Hill just in time for Thanksgiving. They’re doing well in their apartment in a retirement community.

Rod O’Connor’s big news is that his granddaughter, Cameron Arkin ’17, will be graduating from Wesleyan with two majors completed: neuroscience and art. Rod believes he is now clear of melanoma stage IV after two years of immunotherapy. Rod still goes to his office often, and golf is now a drink at lunch followed by nine holes at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island.

Norm Stuessy tells of his daughter, Helen, happily married to a middle school teacher in Cinnaminson, N.J., and of his four sons: Ted, chief of police, Haddonfield, N.J.; Kevin, living in Chery Hill, N.J.; Bill, who teaches and lives in Westminister, Mass.; and Bob, living and teaching in a community college in Columbia, S.C. Norm reports that he’s been diagnosed with dementia. Ruth is helping him manage the situation.

Bob Muir reports that he has seven grandchildren, with one on the way. “I had the joy of holding our youngest granddaughter on my lap. As she slept there I felt the warmth of holding one of my progeny who is four decades removed—thanking God for that opportunity.”

Sadly, Doris Swain reports that Jim Swain died on Nov. 28 of pancreatic cancer. We also got word that R.J. Dunham passed away on Jan. 18, and Dick Bertini passed away on Jan. 27 from complications of vascular disease.

In our last class notes, I asked for any remembrances of Marshall (Mike) Umpleby, who passed away last October. I am very appreciative that two of you responded as follows:

George Ray wrote that Marshall was a modern renaissance man in his remarkable life as an aviator, author, educator, and family man, in addition to being a nice guy and loyal classmate. Graduating from Englewood School for Boys, where his father, a Wesleyan graduate himself, was the headmaster, Marshall was an English major at Wesleyan, and played on the squash and baseball teams. After flight school and a stint in the Navy as a pilot, Mike lived the rest of his life on the West Coast, first as a beloved English teacher at Burlingame High School in California, then as principal, and finally living in retirement sometimes as a teacher at the local Oregon State College in Ashland. He also wrote a novel and short stories about two of his abiding passions—flying and baseball. One of his former Burlingame students regards Mike as “one of the finest teachers and individuals associated with the long and illustrious history of Burlingame H.S.”

Marshall’s father would be proud of him, and those of us who knew him at Wesleyan are, as well. We mourn his passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his widow, Mimi, and his daughters, Amy and Sarah.

George Klein tells of Marshall’s novel, On Falcon’s Wings, one of the best George has ever read. George had done a review, writing that “this compelling and gripping novel about five teenagers’ lives during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia is hard to put down…”

One final word about our dear friend Bill Christopher; we all will miss you! That’s it for now, guys. Stay healthy and be happy!

BOB CAREY | bobcarey@optonline.net
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

As many struggle to survive winter’s blast, others bask in Florida and our southern border states, but none go as far south as Phil Olsen, who will enjoy Antarctica’s summer. No longer flying, he did pilot in a command for three years after his 80th, thereby joining the Union of Flying Octogenarians (UFO). Phil reports the passing of his wife, Gail, in May. We remember Gail as faithfully accompanying him to Reunions. Our condolences are extended to Phil.

In anticipation of our 65th next year, send me your latest. At our age, even the mundane can be interesting to our classmates.

JOHN W. MILLER | Jwalmiller@aol.com
306 Autumn Court, Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918/335-0081 

Class of 1952 Endowed Wesleyan Scholarship Fund

Nathanael Mathieu ’20, Freedom, NH

Good news about our classmates is absent, as these class notes are being written on Jan. 15, 2017. Bad news is prevalent, unfortunately.

We have lost five more of our classmates. Mel Roboff died on Apr. 11, 2014. Mel was an Alpha Delt with an enormous sense of humor. After Harvard Business School, Mel spent his career in marketing, which included stints with Royal and Underwood Typewriter, Fanny Farmer, and Converse Shoes before forming his own Boston-area Roboff Management Group consulting firm. He is survived by two daughters and his former wife.

Ferg Alleman died on Mar. 7, 2014. Ferg was a Deke who left Wesleyan during our junior year. He was a native of Orlando, Fla. After graduating from law school, he practiced law in Orlando for a number of years and then engaged in investment banking in Vermont. His wife of 61 years predeceased him, and he is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

Tony Brewer died on Sept. 27, 2015. Tony was a Crow at Wesleyan. After college, he joined Procter & Gamble as an industrial engineer. He moved on to Welch Foods in a similar capacity and later became president of Nature Nook, Inc., a floral and gift shop in Southfield, Mich. When last heard from, Tony was married and had four children.

Bill Hicks died on Oct. 31, 2016. He was an Olin Scholar, a Psi U, and, a member of Skull and Serpent. In college, he excelled on the football and baseball teams until, as I recall it, injuries waylaid him. Bill had a highly successful career in sales and leadership positions in the flooring industry with first Armstrong World Industries and then Shaw Industries. His obituary makes clear that Bill carried over the “wild sense of humor” and ability to “throw a great party” that we witnessed during our days at WesTech. Unfortunately, his wife predeceased him by 18 years; he is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.

Bill McCluskey died on Christmas Day 2016. Bill, a member of Alpha Delt and Mystical Seven, was captain of the Wesleyan football team our senior year. He had a very successful career as an educator, principally as an administrator in private schools. He served the Menlo School in Atherton, Calif., was assistant headmaster of Northwood School in Lake Placid, N.Y., then headmaster of Park-Tudor School in Indianapolis, Ind., and capped his career as founding headmaster of Marin Academy in San Rafael, Calif. Most of us will remember that Bill courted and married Betsey Banks, daughter of Professor Ted Banks and sister of Dave Banks ’56. In addition to Betsey and Dave, Bill is survived by two daughters, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

We extend our sincere sympathy, albeit belated, to the families of these classmates.

Hopefully, this magazine will arrive in your home by late April and will serve as a reminder of our 65th Wesleyan Reunion, which will occur May 25-28. Time is running out for us, so if you are physically able to attend, but have reservations about doing so, please set those reservations aside and join us on campus. Our group will be smaller than it was five years ago, but that should enable more intimate conversations and reminiscing than has been possible in the larger crowd at past Reunions.

Harold C. Buckingham, Jr. | hcbuckingham@daypitney.com
400 Seabury Dr., Apt. 2114, Bloomfield, CT 06002

William K. Wasch | wkwash@gmail.com
150 Coleman Road, Middletown, CT 06457

Howard Goodrich and his wife, Darlene, are living a very active life in Indianapolis. They both serve on various organizations connected to the internal aspects of church life. Howard has been doing some writing, recently publishing an article on the social factors affecting the decline of churches. He met a retired history professor from Butler University in Indiana who mentioned having met E. E. Schattschneider, who taught political science to so many of us. He earned considerable renown for his book, Party Government. Howard said Donald Trump is creating the necessity for a whole new approach to that subject.

Keith Whiting’s wife, Marjori, wrote of his passing in North East, Md. She also enclosed a copy of the very eloquent funeral service at his church. Obviously he had a great effect on those he served during his years as a physician.

I also heard from Bill Churchill, who came to our 65th Reunion last spring. He reminded me that he served as a member of the administration from 1964-74.

David Jones and his wife, Ann, have donated a wonderful collection of prints by American Master artist Winslow Homer to the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Conn., which will be on display from July 30 to Sept. 3. There will be an opening reception on July 30 from 1-3 p.m. and David hopes many classmates and friends can attend the reception or get to the show on another date. 

Walter Cook, who was at our Reunion last May, wrote that he and his wife, Marie, were enjoying sunny warm Florida and he was passing the time reading some really excellent books. He was not driving any more and was relying on Marie to get them around. Her reflexes, Walt wrote, are excellent.

The return address on King Berlew’s letter was a facility in Topsham, Maine, which he described as “having most everything in an assisted living facility. But King also planned to spend four or five months in Vero Beach to get away from snow. King lost his wife of 64 years, Jeanne, last spring, beginning what he described as “the most difficult period of my life.” Fortunately, his daughter, Sarah, lives in nearby Brunswick, and his son, Derek, lives not far away in Kennebunkport.

I received Roger Tracy’s note just as he was setting out from Suffield, Conn., to root for the UConn women’s basketball team in its bid for a fifth consecutive NCAA championship in Dallas. The Tracys had been on hand for the four previous ones. Unfortunately, the Huskies came up just short this time. Roger said he had maintained contact since graduation with fraternity brother Phil Alden, living in Naples, Fla. They had both entered the USAF Aviation Cadet Program after graduation.

I’ve also heard from George Young, who is doing fine in Bronxville, N.Y.

Lastly, Ken Kenigsberg died on Sept. 27 of complications from a subdural hematoma. Word of his passing came from Austin, Texas, to which he and Abby, his wife of 54 years, had recently moved. In 40 years of practicing medicine, Ken performed one of the first successful separations of conjoined infants. He also researched the causes of sudden infant death syndrome. Fiercely proud of his Jewish ancestry and the State of Israel, he served as a volunteer in the Israeli Medical Corps during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He also served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He enjoyed nature, scuba diving, sailing, fly fishing, and skiing. Besides his wife, he leaves three sons, Matthew, Ezra, and Amos, and seven grandchildren.

DAVID M. PHILIPS | davephilips69@hotmail.com
43 Cannon Street, Cranston, RI 02920-7620

Hello, classmates! It’s a new year—2017! In the last issue we enjoyed hearing from Cliff Milner, Roger Haskell, and Jud Miner. And now, how about hearing from you? Please call me or drop me a line with your latest news.

We are sorry to inform you of the death of our classmate, James Mutrie, on Oct. 26. He was a native of New Haven, and was well known in state political and journalism circles as dean of the Capitol press corps.

We also have been informed of the passing of Kenneth Widing on Oct. 16. Kenneth studied math at Wesleyan, then earned a master’s at Indiana University, Bloomington, and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. He worked as an astrophysicist for the Naval Research Laboratory.

We are pleased to hear from Arthur Chickering, who sent a clever and thoughtful poem that he composed, “Turning Toward Ninety.”

“I’m entering my ninetieth year,” he said,

Patting the old gray mop on his head.

Perhaps boasting a bit to have reached such an age,

bemused by peers who had called him a sage.

Books, papers, and speeches aplenty

triggered awards from diverse cognoscenti.

But now he seems to be all written out

except for an occasional shout

calling on leaders, politicians, and factions

for tough minded, timely, deliberate actions,

Now happily home loving renaissance wife

after sixty five years creating their life.

They traveled the world whenever the chance

always up for whatever the dance,

tackling new cultures, relationships, tasks,

harvesting knowledge, replacing old masks,

learning and growing

from seeds they were sowing.

Tennis, hiking, swimming, canoeing,

downhill skiing, moonlight snowshoeing,

living an active adventurous life

free from conflict or serious strife.

Then out of the blue it went up in smoke

when she was struck by a serious stroke..

It was two-twenty-three, nineteen- ninety- nine,

A cloudless sky, the weather was fine.

After tuna melts and good red wine

they were ready to go

out to enjoy the fresh fallen snow

never to do so they did not know. Left arm and leg had no sensation

Walking with help was a major occasion.

A brand new existence

would test their persistence.

Multitasking had been their norm

now one at a time is the dominant form.

Since that day their lives have been shrinking

more and more time for leisurely thinking.

Listening, reading, checking TV

enjoying each series from BBC.

Visiting friends provoke thoughtful talks

meetings in town cause occasional walks.

So thus the years keep rolling by.

Deaths of friends prompt heartfelt sighs.

Living wills and power of attorney

all in order for the final journey.

Comfortably ready for the years that remain

two lives well lived is their final refrain.

BUD DORSEY | margiedorsey5@gmail.com
161 Shore Rush Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 | 912/638-5616